‘Engineering really isn’t about hard hats and rulers any more’

Did you know: Engineering is probably one of the most creative professions you could ever choose

18 May 2018 • 4:26pm

Based at ScottishPower’s new headquarters in Glasgow, engineer Lesley MacRury undertakes a demanding role within the company’s busy IT communications department. Here, she gives us some insight into the evolving world of engineering

A former graduate trainee at the company, joining ScottishPower straight from Strathclyde University with a BEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Lesley is shaping the company’s operations in one of the most challenging but exciting fields today, which is all things digital and data.

Alongside this, she helps to promote STEM in schools, works with bodies such as Equate Scotland, and champions her field in a number of professional women’s groups. A strong advocate of women in technology, a working mother, and at the forefront of an industry going through digital change, Lesley gives us her insight into the new world of engineering.

Senior engineer Lesley MacRury

How does ScottishPower facilitate you to learn on the job in such a quickly evolving field?

We have opportunities to attend conferences and forums internationally in our field, in addition to training and a focus on continuous personal development and we have individual personal development plans. As part of a global organisation, I get to travel and experience what is happening in different countries. Technology also allows us to be able to work on the go. Engineering really isn’t about hard-hats and sitting down with rulers anymore.

When did you decide you wanted to be an engineer?

I was really good at maths at school, and maths ties in with engineering and science. I always had an interest in telecommunications and knew people who worked in the industry, so had a certain level of exposure to engineering. If I’m completely honest, I was interested in a career that wasn’t entirely routine and meant being creative. There was always a bit of ‘if men can do it, so can I’ mentality.

What do you perceive to be the barriers for girls and women starting in STEM?

There’s definitely a gender stereotype issue, which often begins in primary school. When girls choose their subjects in secondary, I feel it is a time when boys are boys and girls are girls, and you’re influenced most by what peers are doing and may not choose STEM subjects. As they mature, they do grow out of this, and then STEM subjects subsequently become more interesting for girls. I do think this is beginning to improve.

What would be your advice to parents whose children are at this tender age?

Engineering is probably one of the most creative professions you could ever choose. Try and encourage them to explore and support all options. Even if their talents don’t seem to match – say, for instance, they’re artistic – well, engineers are allowed to be artistic, too! Engineering isn’t a ‘pure’ subject. It’s wide and varied where everything overlaps, and it doesn’t close doors to talents. Your child can do art and do science, nourish any interest shown.

What do you love most about your job?

We’re at the cusp of a technology revolution, and engineering is at the forefront of that. I love the variety and excitement. Having individual creativity whilst working effectively as a team. That I get to lead, I get to make decisions. I’m empowered to come up with solutions and innovate. Every day is different. We’re creating the Utilities of the future and I am part of it.

There is a lot of talk about engineering companies needing to be more family-friendly to keep their female employees. Do you think that is an issue?

Facilitating flexible working policies are pertinent to everyone, men and women and to all professions, and should be a given. I do find the idea that women should choose a job because of its family-friendly credentials frustrating. First and foremost, I want women to choose this profession because it’s a great career, and women are incredible. I want women to know what is out there and that you can make what you want to do work.

Want to empower more women in engineering?

Find out about the challenges faced by female engineers and the role models inspiring them at tgr.ph/we50.

Nominations for the Top 50 Women in Engineering 2017 are now closed. The list will be announced on 23 June, International Women in Engineering Day.